Manchester United Boss Solskjaer Hints At Offering Contract Extension To Star Striker

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted at offering Edinson Cavani a contract extension, saying the 33-year-old player has "a few years left in him."

Cavani, who moved from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Manchester United on October’s transfer deadline day, has played 13 competitive matches for Red Devils. In the 2020-21 Premier League, Cavani started only one game but has scored three times in eight matches. Solskjaer and Red Devils realize that Cavani’s influence goes beyond the aggregate of four goals he has scored this season as he once again made an immediate impact in the minimum of playtime, he was given Saturday.

The Uruguayan veteran came off the bench to create Bruno Fernandes’ goal as Manchester United drew 2-2 against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

Cavani signed a one-year deal with Manchester United, with the option of another one. On the eve of Red Devils’ Premier League clash with Wolves Tuesday, Solskjaer was asked if the club is looking to extend the striker’s contract. The Norwegian replied, "At the moment it looks like he has a few years left in him. I wouldn’t say anything else. He has made a great influence, a great impact when he has come here. Let’s just focus on improving everyone as well but he has a few years left in him."

Out of the 13 matches Cavani has played for the Old Trafford side since his arrival in October, he has started only four times. On being asked if he sees Cavani as a starter or as an impact substitute, Solskjaer termed the former PSG playmaker as a definite “starter.”

"He is definitely a starter. You don’t classify a player of that quality as anything else. We have plenty of starters. More than 11 starters and that is the thing when you are at Manchester United. You should believe in yourself and trust in yourself. I trust him. I trust my players. We have good competition for places and will probably start more games than he will not start," added Manchester United boss.

In the same press conference, Solskjaer also revealed that Cavani was so set on making a mark that he asked the club to give him the jersey No. 7, whose previous owners were the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, George Best, David Beckham, and Eric Cantona.

"It is the first thing he asked me. We told him about the history of the shirt and the history of his career and experience, his personality from our chat and what I had watched before. I had no doubt that he could handle the No 7 shirt. He is a meticulous professional. His habits and everything shows you why he has had the career he has had. He is still one of the fittest players we have got," Solskjaer added.